Take charge of your debt

Contributed -
Jul 26, 2014 / 5:00 am | Story:
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Ways to reduce your Debt:

Make a budget and get budget counseling

A basic first step for debt reduction is to prepare a budget and plan your spending. Once you have a budget, you must stick to it. When you follow a budget, you can take any extra money you have each month and put it toward your debts. This will lower your total debt and save you money on interest fees. Don’t spend money on items that are not in your budget. Eventually, if nothing else changes, you will be able to pay off your debts. If you find this hard to do, see a professional budget counsellor for advice on planning a budget.

Combine your debts

A debt consolidation loan is a loan (usually from a bank) that lets you repay your debts to all your creditors at once. This means that you only have one monthly payment, often at a lower interest rate than you are paying now. This saves you money on interest fees and lets you pay off your loan faster.

Contact your creditors

One way to lower your debt is make new arrangements with your creditors. Make a list of your creditors and contact each one with a proposal for one or more of the following:

Lower monthly payments

Longer time period to make your payments

Lower rate of interest

You can also ask a debt management advisor, such as a credit counsellor, to do this for you.

Work with your mortgage lender

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) suggests contact your mortgage lender right away when you run into mortgage problems. You can then work with your lender to find a solution.

Sell a possession

A personal possession is something that you own and do not owe money on. Selling a personal possession can get rid of some of your debt. If you cannot earn more money or cut down your expenses, selling a personal possession can be a good idea.

Remember we are always here to answer any of your questions on this or anything else (250) 862-1806 or email [email protected].

Laurie Baird and Tracy Head are mortgage brokers with Verico Complete Mortgage Services. Together they have over 45 years of experience in the mortgage industry.

As mortgage brokers, Laurie and Tracy spend time getting to know the people they work with and help them understand the mortgage process. They support their clients before, during, and after a home purchase.

Laurie and Tracy are able to offer their clients advice and options. With access to over 40 different lenders, Laurie and Tracy are able to match the needs of their clients with the right mortgage package. They work closely with their clients to find the right fit, and are around to provide support for years down the road!